Irwin B. Sacheck

Irwin B. Sacheck, aged 94 years passed away at St. Luke's Hospice House o August 15, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois to George and Stephania, he was the youngest of 3 boys. Growing up in the city he enjoyed sumers on his grandparents farm in Crystal Falls, Michigan. It was there that he learned the importance of hard work, respect and accountability, values he carried throughout his life. He attended Chicago Public Schools and graduated from Wells High School in January of 1949. Upon graduation he began working for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad (CNW). I that same year, at a picnic dance, he met the love of his life Geradine (Gerri). Shortly after that he was drafted by the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After basic training he served in Germany where he was a Neuropsychiatric Technician. During that same time he was a "star forward" on his companies basketball team. Irv was honorably discharged as a Corporal. All of which he was very proud of. Once back stateside, he resumed working for the CNW Railroad and married Gerri, his wife of 64 years, until her passing in 2017. His career at the CNW spanned over 40 years. Beginning as a yardman then an office clerk and then a safety officer. While still employed with the CNW in the 1960's he began to work with a little known company called IBM. With IBM's training Irv helped develop the Data Processing Center which grew into a company wide IT department. Essentially putting the CNW RR "on line". His last promotion was Chief Managing Officer (Agent) of the Northlake/Proviso rail yard. As he headed towards retirement in the late 1980's there was nothing he did not know about the CNW Corporation (now Union Pacific). He loved his job, he loved trains and he knew everything about them. In fact there was not a question he could not answer if it involved trains or a rail yard. A life long advocate of nature conservation he enjoyed bird watching, hiking, watching any type of nature show on PBS. Irv enjoyed the company of both dogs and cats his entire life. An avid gardener "Ace" was known for growing delicious tomatoes. His calling card was a basket where he would place a rose from his garden atop them. Personally delivered to appreciative and deserving neighbors. A natural athlete, Irv enjoyed a variety of sports as a spectator (Golf, Football, Basketball), as well as a participant. He loved to fish, golf and bowl. In fact he spent many times at the bowling alley with his two brothers George and Jerome (Jerry) on a men's senior league. Ace himself bowled until he was 91. Irwin was a father to two daughters that he loved, He enjoyed taking them to the library, all the Chicagoland museums, zoos, musical theater (his personal favorite). Also, hiking and skiing in Colorado, Utah, and Europe. In the last years of his life he resided in Kansas City with his youngest daughter and her husband, where he was embrace by friends and extended family. Irwin is survived by eldest daughter, Debra Wilson; grandsons, Christopher and Nicholas Wilson of Darien, Illinois. Youngest daughter, Denise Sacheck and her husband David Beebe of Kansas City, Missouri as well as countless nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He is preceded n death by his eldest daughter's husband Gary Wilson. A military burial will be performed at the Sacheck Family Plot in Crystal Falls, Michigan. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Harvesters, Kansas City in honor of Irwin B. Sacheck is requested.

Irwin B. Sacheck

March 31, 1931 - August 15, 2025